The line said the gathering will be the first time its full fleet of four ships has assembled in one place. It described Liverpool as its spiritual home and said the event will offer a rare chance to see all four Queens together.

Queen Mary 2’s arrival in Liverpool on 16 May 2028 will also mark her first transatlantic crossing from New York directly to the city, according to Cunard. The company added that it will be its first eastbound arrival from New York to Liverpool in more than 61 years, since RMS Sylvania berthed at Princes Landing Stage on 18 November 1966.

Liverpool plans

Cunard said the 2028 event coincides with the 20th anniversary of Liverpool being named European Capital of Culture. The city is preparing a year-long programme of music, maritime and sporting events, with Cunard’s return forming a centrepiece of the celebrations, according to the release.

The last time Cunard ships gathered on the Mersey was in 2015, when three Queens came together for the brand’s 175th anniversary. Cunard said that event attracted more than one million spectators to the city and waterfront.

The 2028 gathering is expected by the line to draw significant crowds and global attention, with Liverpool marking the occasion through a waterfront celebration as the Four Queens meet and return home for the first time.

Voyage details

Cunard said guests will be able to take part in the occasion through a series of specially designed Four Queens Celebration voyages across the fleet. Queen Mary 2 will operate her first-ever transatlantic crossing from New York to Liverpool before continuing with Transatlantic Crossings, Canada and New England voyages, and Caribbean itineraries.

Queen Anne will begin her 2028 season in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, including an overnight stay in Liverpool. Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria guests will witness the gathering from on board, with Queen Elizabeth sailing from Southampton to Le Havre before joining the Mersey celebrations and Queen Victoria arriving after a voyage around the British Isles.

Company comments

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “Bringing our four Queens together on the Mersey for the first time will be a rare and incredibly special moment for Cunard. Liverpool is where our story began, and returning with the full fleet is a powerful celebration of that bond. It will be an unforgettable day for our guests, for the city, and for everyone who comes together to enjoy the spectacle from the shore.”

Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said: “Welcoming the four Cunard Queens at the same time will be an extraordinary occasion for our city, our residents, and our visitors. We are incredibly proud of our rich maritime heritage, and this promises to be a really special moment here in Liverpool, Cunard’s spiritual home.”

He added: “2028 is shaping up to be a very exciting year for us – with the Four Queens’ visit, hosting Euro 2028 matches, and the 20th anniversary of Liverpool Capital of Culture, we’ve got a brilliant programme of events and activities in store.”

Further details on Cunard’s 2028 voyage itineraries and booking dates will be announced soon.

Source: Official announcement by Cunard on 22 April, 2026

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First time at sea

The ship has now sailed in open water for the first time as it moves towards the final stages of construction before welcoming its first guests. According to the cruise line, the sea trials will last 10 days and will involve more than 2,000 engineers and specialists.

During this period, the team will carry out technical tests on the ship’s systems, including checks on how it performs in open water and how its engines respond under pressure. The vessel is expected to cover approximately 2,400 nautical miles before returning to the Meyer Turku shipyard.

Final construction stage

Royal Caribbean said the sea trials are one of the last phases of construction for the third ship in its Icon Class fleet. The line described the ship as having reached a major construction milestone as it takes part in testing ahead of entry into service.

The press release also said the ship will feature eight neighbourhoods and more than 40 ways to dine, drink and be entertained. These details were included in the company’s description of the vessel’s onboard offering.

Europe before Florida

After its inaugural European summer season, Legend of the Seas is scheduled to move to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. From there, the ship will operate 6-night Western Caribbean sailings and 8-night Southern Caribbean sailings.

Royal Caribbean also said these itineraries will include visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.

Source: Official Press Releases from Royal Caribbean International, 20 April 2026, Miami.

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Fleet Movements: Five Ships Complete Safe Passage

According to industry reports, the following vessels have now exited the Arabian Gulf:

• MSC Euribia
• Mein Schiff 4
• Mein Schiff 5
• Celestyal Discovery
• Celestyal Journey

All ships operated with skeleton crews and completed their passages over a two‑day window, supported by maritime authorities and standard navigational procedures.

A sixth vessel, Aroya, remains in the Gulf, with operators monitoring conditions and planning its next movements.

Celestyal Leads the Way

Celestyal Discovery was the first cruise ship to make the transit, paving the way for other vessels to follow. Its sister ship, Celestyal Journey, subsequently completed its own passage, with both ships now repositioning for their next scheduled programs.

TUI Cruises: Dual‑Ship Progress

TUI Cruises confirmed that Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5 have both cleared the region. The company expressed appreciation for the efforts of onboard teams and supporting authorities, noting that routing options for onward deployment are being evaluated based on global operational considerations.

MSC Euribia Continues Toward Europe

MSC Cruises reported that MSC Euribia has safely exited the Gulf and is now sailing toward Northern Europe, where it is scheduled to resume its summer program. The ship had been berthed in Dubai prior to its departure and is now progressing on its planned repositioning itinerary.

Aroya: Next Steps Under Review

Cruise Saudi’s Aroya remains the only vessel still in the Arabian Gulf. The company has not yet announced its next scheduled movement, with operational planning continuing in line with standard procedures.

Positive Outlook for Cruise Operations

The successful transit of five vessels marks a welcome boost for cruise operators active in the region. With ships now advancing toward their seasonal deployments, cruise lines are regaining scheduling flexibility and preparing to resume regular programming across key markets.

As repositioning progresses, the industry is looking ahead to a strong summer season supported by renewed fleet mobility and coordinated operational planning.

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Float out at Monfalcone

The float out took place on 16 April 2026 at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monfalcone, where Norwegian Aura touched water for the first time. The event marked the completion of the ship’s external hull construction and the start of the next stage of interior development.

Two ceremonial coins were welded into the hull during a traditional coin ceremony. NCL said the custom symbolises good fortune and safe passage for the ship, her crew and future guests.

Official comments

“Norwegian Aura’s float out is a proud and meaningful moment for our entire team,” said Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “She builds on the legacy of our award-winning Prima Class while taking our commitment to thoughtfully designed guest-first experiences even further. Created in close partnership with Fincantieri, the ship is purposefully constructed to deliver an elevated, multi-generational vacation experience, with expansive outdoor spaces like Ocean Heights, that bring families and friends together for fun-filled days. With her flexible, open-air design, Norwegian Aura is exceptionally well suited for Caribbean itineraries, offering the perfect balance of high-energy fun, relaxation and an effortless escape for guests of all ages.”

“Norwegian Aura’s float out marks a highly symbolic and operationally significant milestone in our shared journey with Norwegian Cruise Line,” said Luigi Matarazzo, general manager of Fincantieri’s Merchant Ships Division. “This vessel reflects the strength of a long-standing partnership and our ability to turn design vision and innovation into tangible solutions, helping to redefine onboard experience for future generations of guests.”   

Size and ship design

Norwegian Aura, described as the line’s largest and most illuminating vessel to date, will measure nearly 1,130 feet in length and approximately 170,000 gross tons, making it around 10 per cent larger than Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna.

The ship will offer more than 1,970 staterooms and accommodate approximately 3,880 guests at double occupancy. NCL said the vessel has been designed with expanded outdoor spaces and multi-generational features as part of its Prima Class evolution.

Onboard spaces

A central feature of the ship will be Ocean Heights, an open-air activity area that NCL says will include the most slides of any ship in its fleet. The complex will feature Eclipse Racers, the line’s first duelling waterslides, along with Aura Free Fall and The Wave.

The release also says Ocean Heights will include an 82-foot ropes course, a 25-foot rock-climbing wall and Aura Midway, a carnival-style games area. In the evening, the space will change through lighting and LED projections.

Other features listed in the release include a pool deck that is more than 20 per cent larger than on previous vessels, extra seating, an additional hot tub, open lounge areas and a Kids’ Aqua Park. The adults-only Vibe Beach Club will also be available, while Ocean Boulevard on deck eight will be extended by 11 per cent.

Launch plans and routes

Norwegian Aura is scheduled to begin service in May 2027 with a seven-day Mediterranean sailing from Trieste, Italy. The itinerary will call at ports in Italy and Malta before the ship sails a 14-day transatlantic voyage to the United States.

From 10 June 2027, the ship will be homeported in Miami and will operate seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean voyages through March 2028. These sailings will include calls at Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas and Harvest Caye in Belize.

Great Stirrup Cay visit

The release says Norwegian Aura will make its first call at Great Stirrup Cay in June 2027. At that point, guests will have access to upgraded facilities on the island, including a multi-ship pier, a welcome plaza and a tram service.

Other island features listed by NCL are Great Life Lagoon with two swim-up bars, Splash Harbor for children, the adults-only Vibe Shore Club and the Great Tides Waterpark. The waterpark is described as a nearly six-acre attraction with 19 waterslides, cliffside jumps, a kids’ splash zone and a river experience.

Source: Official announcement by Norwegian Cruise Line on 16 April, 2026

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New French dining venue

Oceania Cruises revealed plans for La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France, which will operate as a reservation-only space for 18 guests. The venue will feature menus that draw on French cooking methods and modern flavour combinations. It is also the first and only restaurant at sea to be launched with the official approval of Maîtres Cuisiniers de France.

The line employs two Master Chefs of France as its Executive Culinary Directors, Chef Alexis Quaretti and Chef Eric Barale. Menus at the restaurant will change regularly and involve input from selected Master Chefs of France based worldwide.

A key highlight is that the introduction of La Table reinforces Oceania Cruises’ long‑standing culinary philosophy centred on delivering what it calls The Finest Cuisine at Sea®. The venue will also serve as the setting for the line’s Dom Pérignon Experience, which features a six‑course tasting menu paired with three distinguished Champagne vintages.

Oceania Sonata will also include Nikkei Kitchen as a recent addition to its dining options. Further venues on the ship will cover the line’s established restaurants alongside the main Grand Dining Room.

Menu and chef collaboration

La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France will present a selection of dishes developed through teamwork between the line’s culinary leaders and visiting chefs from the Maîtres Cuisiniers de France group. The format will centre on structured tasting menus.

The restaurant holds formal support from Maîtres Cuisiniers de France, an organisation that promotes French culinary traditions. Sample items mentioned in the announcement include langoustine, escargot-filled Dover sole served with white wine sauce, and a spider crab potato roll finished with caviar. The line stated that menus would evolve over time through continued chef partnerships.

Culinary Leadership

Oceania Cruises describes La Table as its most exclusive dining experience, shaped by the expertise of its two Master Chefs of France, who oversee the culinary direction across the fleet.

 “At Oceania Cruises, our dedication to cuisine is rooted in continual refinement and respect for tradition, a philosophy mirrored by the storied Maîtres Cuisiniers de France organization. Through La Table, Chefs Quaretti and Barale bring this extraordinary and industry-leading collaboration to life. It will be a true celebration of culinary heritage, mastery and modern luxury, in ways which are both meaningful and unmistakably Oceania Cruises,” said Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Oceania Cruises.

“This restaurant is deeply personal for us,” said Chef Quaretti. “It reflects the values that Chef Barale and I share, regard for technique, appreciation of flavor and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Set within the calm, understated elegance of this new space aboard Oceania Sonata, La Table will offer guests a truly memorable dining experience.”

“La Table represents a natural evolution of the rich culinary tradition long associated with luxury ocean travel,” said Jean-Louis Dumonet, President of the USA and Canada delegation of the Maîtres Cuisiniers de France. “Through our collaboration with Oceania Cruises and its culinary leaders Chefs Eric Barale and Alexis Quaretti, we’ve brought this heritage to life with authenticity, craftsmanship and deep respect for French gastronomy. La Table reflects our shared commitment to creating refined, memorable dining experiences where culinary artistry is central to the voyage.”

The announcement emphasises the intimate nature of the venue, which is designed to accommodate just 18 guests in a refined setting.

Other ship dining

Oceania Sonata will offer a total of ten culinary spaces, including the Grand Dining Room. Signature restaurants will comprise Jacques for French cuisine, Red Ginger for pan-Asian dishes, Polo Grill as a steakhouse, and Toscana for Italian fare.

Nikkei Kitchen joins as a new evening venue alongside La Table par Maîtres Cuisiniers de France.  

Oceania Sonata is the brand’s next-generation ship scheduled to enter service in 2027.

Source: Official announcement by Oceania Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line on 16 April, 2026

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New class details

Princess Cruises said the Voyager Class will be its largest and most advanced platform to date, with the ships designed to incorporate the line’s most popular experiences and venues in a new format. The company said the vessels will feature redesigned outer decks, staterooms and Piazza spaces, while continuing to build on the Sphere Class platform and using the latest guest-facing and marine technologies.

The ships will be dual-fuel powered and primarily run on liquefied natural gas, or LNG, similar to the highly successful Sun Princess and Star Princess. Princess Cruises said the fuel choice is intended to deliver immediate greenhouse gas reductions and to reduce air emissions compared with other widely available conventional marine fuels.

Size and capacity

Princess Cruises said the newbuilds will be the largest ships by capacity in its fleet and will be constructed at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. Each of the three ships will be 183,000 gross tons and will accommodate approximately 4,700 guests.

The line said further design details, including the final specification list, will be announced later.  

Executive comments

Princess Cruises President Gus Antorcha said the new class is intended to appeal to returning guests while also attracting first-time Princess cruisers. “The Voyager class will delight both our loyal guests and attract the next generation of Princess guests. We have been leveraging extensive customer and agent research to strike the right balance between evolving our proven winners and introducing new concepts and partnerships grounded in what matters to our current and future guests,” said Gus Antorcha, Princess Cruises President. “From exceptional dining and inviting pool environments to elevated entertainment and beautifully reimagined spaces throughout the ship, we are leaving no area untouched as we thoughtfully evolve the Princess experience.” leaving no area untouched as we thoughtfully evolve the Princess experience.”

Fincantieri CEO and Managing Director Pierroberto Folgiero said the agreement confirms the strength of the long-term relationship between the two companies. He said: We are delighted to announce this new agreement with Princess Cruises, which confirms the strength of a long-standing and forward-looking partnership. These new orders secure a robust workload for our shipyards through 2039 and further support the profitable development of our cruise business, as outlined in our 2026–2030 Industrial Plan. With the new Voyager-class ships, we are once again leveraging Fincantieri’s distinctive expertise in sustainable, next generation shipbuilding, supporting Princess Cruises in its growth trajectory and reaffirming our role as a trusted industrial partner for the evolution of the cruise industry.”

Fleet plan context

These agreements for Princess Cruises’ next-generation cruise ships represent Carnival Corporation’s 19th, 20th and 21st LNG‑based vessels, with seven additional ships already under contract for delivery between 2027 and 2033.

The release described the move as part of Carnival Corporation’s wider fleet enhancement strategy. It said the aim is to create interest in the vacation market and support demand for cruising, which the company described as the fastest growing segment in the vacation industry.

Source: Official announcement by Princess Cruise Line on 15 April, 2026

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Major Fleet Expansion Underway

The expansion programme spans both luxury and discovery brands under the Scenic Group portfolio. The rollout began this month with the launch of Emerald Kaia, followed by Emerald Astra, which will begin sailing Europe’s rivers in May 2026.

Further additions are scheduled for 2027, including Emerald Lumi, Emerald Nova, Emerald Raiya, and Scenic Aria, the latter to operate along Portugal’s Douro River. In 2028, the growth continues with the Scenic Ikon Discovery Yacht and Emerald Xara, while Scenic Spirit II is also scheduled to join the fleet on the Mekong, according to industry reports.

According to Scenic Group, this marks one of its most significant growth phases to date, aligning with its strategy to expand globally across every cruise sector.

Scenic Eclipse II to Return to Australia

Scenic confirmed that Scenic Eclipse II will redeploy to Australia, the Kimberley, Oceania, and East Antarctica in 2028 following two successful seasons. The vessel will again operate expedition voyages across the South Pacific, the Kimberley coastline, New Zealand, and the Ross Sea.

“We are delighted to be bringing Scenic Eclipse II back to the Kimberley, Oceania and East Antarctica from March 2028, following two highly successful seasons that highlight the region’s strong appeal for world-class expedition and discovery journeys,” said Tom Batchelor, Acting Vice President, Deployment, Product and Port Operations – Ocean.

“Launching Emerald Xara for her inaugural season means guests can explore this extraordinary part of the world across both of our brands, reflecting our confidence to deliver unique experiences in the region and our commitment to growing Scenic Group’s presence across all continents globally.”

Emerald Xara to Debut in Asia and Australia

Among the 2028 introductions, Emerald Xara will become the first Emerald Cruises yacht to operate in Asia and Australia. The yacht’s inaugural programme features 14 itineraries, visiting destinations across Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia’s Raja Ampat islands, before sailing south towards Darwin and the Kimberley region.

Scenic said the deployment reflects strong guest interest in expedition and discovery journeys across Asia and Australia.

Scenic Ikon to Offer Worldwide Itineraries

Also debuting in 2028, the Scenic Ikon Discovery Yacht will accommodate up to 270 guests in 135 all-veranda suites, including a large penthouse. Facilities include a two-level spa, a range of dining venues, and curated bars and lounges.

The ship’s inaugural season will visit 110 ports across 21 countries, featuring 26 new destinations in Europe, Africa, the Atlantic, and Antarctica.

“Scenic Ikon has been conceived, engineered and built with our in-house shipbuilding division at MKM Yachts and will be operated entirely by our own dedicated Scenic crew,” said Glen Moroney, Founder and Chairman of Scenic Group. “This remarkable vessel is the result of more than three years of passion, innovation and development by our team, and we are delighted to share the Scenic Discovery Yacht with our valued guests, travel advisors and partners. Every element of Scenic Ikon’s design has been optimized to deliver unrivalled experiences across diverse destinations and environments, from its primary base in the Mediterranean to the pristine regions of Antarctica.”

Culinary experiences onboard will be led by Chef Tom Goetter, Vice President Oceans Hotel Operations, who noted that the ship’s dining concepts are being developed as “a place where you feel there is no comparison.”

Enhanced Onboard Experience in 2028–29

In line with the fleet expansion, Scenic Group is introducing enhanced inclusions for upcoming voyages aboard Scenic Ikon and Scenic Eclipse II in the 2028–29 season. Guests booking Super Earlybird offers will receive a complimentary helicopter flight of 20 minutes (30 minutes in Antarctica), while Penthouse Suite guests will have access to an exclusive helicopter landing and a private excursion on select itineraries.

Pre-registration is now open for Scenic Eclipse II and Emerald Xara’s 2028–29 sailings, while bookings for Scenic Ikon’s inaugural season are already available.

Industry Significance and Outlook

Scenic Group’s 40th anniversary milestone underscores continued investment in global deployment across river, ocean and expedition cruising. By 2028, the company’s fleet will operate across a broad range of regions worldwide, reflecting its long‑term strategy to expand its luxury and discovery‑focused offering.

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The announcement also includes several combinable sailings and a Grand Journey, while the company said the schedule has been designed to provide deeper exploration of the regions being visited.

Mario Parodi, vice president of itinerary planning and port and fuel operations for Crystal, said: “Our 2028 voyages are designed to offer guests deeper exploration across some of the most beautiful regions around the world. Crystal Grace will debut with sailings from the Mediterranean, Canada and New England to the Caribbean, Crystal Symphony will travel from the Panama Canal to Alaska and Japan, while Crystal Serenity will explore Europe, the Arctic and the Eastern Mediterranean. Each ship will spend the season discovering the various regions through carefully curated itineraries that we hope our guests will love.”

Crystal Grace to debut in June 2028

Crystal Grace will enter service on 11 June 2028 in Civitavecchia, Italy, with an inaugural voyage calling at Sorrento, Igoumenitsa, Kotor, Split, Zadar and Trieste before continuing to Venice. Crystal said this will launch a Mediterranean season focused on Southern Europe’s coastlines and cultural capitals.

During the summer, the ship will operate itineraries in Italy, Croatia, Greece, France and Spain, with calls including Valencia and Monte Carlo. Crystal said the ship will be christened during an overnight stay in Monte Carlo on the voyage departing Barcelona on 8 July. Select sailings will be available as combinations, including two 34-night itineraries that do not repeat ports.

Autumn routes for Grace

In September, Crystal Grace will sail west from Lisbon via the Azores to Halifax and New York. That will start a series of autumn sailings in New England and Eastern Canada, with calls including Quebec City and Charlottetown.

The ship’s November programme includes Bermuda and Caribbean departures from Fort Lauderdale, with calls at Antigua, St Lucia, Aruba and Barbados. The itinerary mix extends the vessel’s first season beyond Europe and into the Atlantic and Caribbean basin, giving the new ship a broader geographic footprint in its debut year.

Symphony in the Americas and Asia

Crystal Symphony will begin summer operations in the Americas after completing the 2028 world cruise, Treasures of the Tides. The ship is scheduled to depart Fort Lauderdale on 10 June, with a Panama Canal transit and calls at Cartagena, Puerto Caldera, San Juan del Sur and Puerto Vallarta before continuing along the California coast to San Diego and San Francisco.

The vessel will then spend the peak summer period in Alaska and British Columbia, with multiple departures from Vancouver and Seward. Ports and scenic cruising on the programme include Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, Wrangell and Hubbard Glacier. Crystal said two combination voyages are included in the season.

In late September, Crystal Symphony will cross the International Date Line to Japan and begin a series of voyages in Japan and South Korea, with ports including Tokyo, Osaka, Nagasaki, Busan and Kanazawa.

Serenity in Europe and the Arctic

Crystal Serenity will begin its summer season in Europe on 5 May, sailing from the Iberian Peninsula into the Mediterranean. Calls listed by the line include Cádiz, Valencia, Monte Carlo, Livorno, Civitavecchia, Valletta and Piraeus.

The ship will then head north to the British Isles and Norway, with a Grand Journey above the Arctic Circle to Honningsvåg, before continuing to Iceland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands. Crystal also said the itinerary includes consecutive calls in Reykjavik, Oslo, Copenhagen and Stockholm, with two combination cruises available.

Later in the season, Crystal Serenity will operate voyages in Northern Europe before returning south through Western Europe and the Mediterranean, with calls in La Goulette, Cagliari, Ajaccio, Marseille, Palamós and Barcelona. The programme concludes with a transatlantic crossing and further sailings in warmer climates.

Industry context

The announcement adds to Crystal’s 2028 deployment plans across its fleet and underscores the importance of itinerary planning as cruise lines prepare long-lead sales campaigns. By releasing voyages for three ships at once, Crystal is positioning its schedule around a mix of maiden-season deployment, regional cruising and extended combination voyages.

Source: Official Crystal Cruises Press Center release, 14 April 2026, Miami.

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The company describes Sandy Cay as an intimate counterpart to Ocean Cay, created to offer a quieter atmosphere and a deeper sense of connection with the surrounding seascape and the character of The Bahamas.

Sandy Cay takes its name from its bright aragonite sands, which MSC Group notes are among the purest found globally. The island has been envisioned as a serene setting that provides a more personal yet elevated experience, reflecting the same guiding ethos as Ocean Cay—bringing guests closer to the natural beauty of the ocean.

While sharing the same clear Bahamian waters as Ocean Cay, Sandy Cay is intended to introduce a distinct layer of discovery and tranquillity. Guests of MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys will have their first opportunity to visit the island when it opens in 2028.

Enhancements Planned for Ocean Cay

MSC Cruises has also announced a series of upgrades for Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. These improvements will introduce new dining options, refreshed beach concepts for both families and adults, expanded areas for relaxation, and additional opportunities for guests to participate in marine‑focused experiences.

According to MSC Group, these enhancements support the company’s ongoing approach to developing private island destinations that evolve with guest expectations while honouring the natural setting of The Bahamas.

Strengthening Onboard‑to‑Shore Experiences

The addition of Sandy Cay is positioned as part of MSC Cruises’ and Explora Journeys’ broader effort to enrich their private destination offerings. Together, Ocean Cay and Sandy Cay represent the next phase in the Cruise Division’s vision to deliver holiday experiences that blend relaxation, exploration and an appreciation for the natural world.

Source: Official announcement by MSC Cruises on 13 April, 2026

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HX said the season ran from October 2025 to March 2026 and included 34 sailings. The company also said its guests left 272 TripAdvisor reviews, with 252 five-star ratings and a 93% five-star score, while global suite bookings rose 5% compared with 2025 and increased by up to 80% in selected regions.

Guest demand and onboard results

The cruise line said it expanded its pre- and post-expedition guest journey during the season, introducing new experiences designed to improve comfort, connectivity and destination immersion. It also said it increased activity capacity, allowing more guests to kayak and camp than any other operator, with kayaking capacity up 188% and camping places doubled, while operating within IAATO guidelines.

HX framed those results as evidence that expedition cruising can scale without, in its view, weakening the protection of the destination. The company said every voyage complied with IAATO requirements, including limited shore landings, wildlife-distancing protocols, strict biosecurity measures, small-group operations and capped daily visitor numbers.

Science and education

HX also highlighted what it described as a science-first season. The company said it donated 1,801 Guest Scientist cruise nights to global research, recorded 27,869 Green Stay nights in which guests opted out of cabin servicing, and generated 1,111 Happywhale submissions and 2,250 eBird checklists.

Guests aboard HX ships also helped raise €124,882 for the HX Foundation, which the company said will support conservation, plastic pollution initiatives and community projects in the destinations it visits, including Antarctica. HX added that 2,307 guests completed the University of Tasmania’s Antarctica Introduction to Antarctica learning module, contributing more than 4,614 hours of study, and said the award-winning programme is now available in English and German, with Mandarin due to launch soon.

Verena Meraldi, HX Chief Scientist, said: ““As we close the 2025–2026 Antarctic season, I’m proud of how our Science & Education programme this season again enabled scientists to access remote environments while engaging guests directly in the process. A highlight for me was our work with Dr Manuel Novillo, documenting rare spawning behaviour of Antarctic blackfin icefish near Danco Island using our underwater drones. Capturing these moments in situ provides valuable insight into critical habitats that are still largely unknown. It’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when expedition travel actively supports science in a rapidly changing Antarctic environment.”

Guest journey upgrades

HX said it introduced a series of changes aimed at making travel to and from Antarctica more seamless. Before the expedition, guests were offered later departures from Buenos Aires, to-go breakfasts for smoother transfers and upgraded charter flights with JetSMART’s new A321 aircraft.

The cruise line said the onboard and in-flight experience was also improved with locally made alfajores, commemorative canned water and upgraded service touches. After the voyage, later return flights gave guests more time in Ushuaia, along with a self-guided map pointing to local businesses offering complimentary items and a takeaway lunch featuring regional products.

For suite guests, HX said the experience was further enhanced with rooftop welcome drinks in Buenos Aires, private access to Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa, including check-in, dining and wellness facilities, and VIP lounge access at Ushuaia Airport.

Industry significance

The season matters because Antarctica remains one of the most tightly managed cruise destinations, where demand, visitor limits and environmental controls must be balanced closely. HX’s report points to a business model in which higher guest volumes are presented alongside science participation, guest education and regulated access, all of which remain central themes in expedition cruising.

The company said its growth in Antarctica is driven by the view that access must be paired with responsibility.

CEO Gebhard Rainer said: “This has been an extraordinary season – not only in terms of guest numbers and satisfaction, but in the depth of scientific engagement and responsible travel practices. As the largest operator, we recognise the responsibility that comes with our scale. Our focus is, and always will be, ensuring that Antarctica remains protected for future generations. HX’s record-breaking season underscores a clear message: high‑quality expedition travel and rigorous environmental stewardship can, and must, go hand in hand.”

Source: Official HX Expeditions Press Release, 09 April 2026

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